We've all known this day was coming...
for quite some time now.
But for Dean and his siblings, how do you say goodbye to someone you've known your entire life?
Someone who has always been there...with advice, support and unconditional love.
On Saturday June 28, Owen Chester Garlick my beloved Father in Law...took one last ride through his home town of Farr West Utah, where he lived his entire life. One last ride on the way to his final resting place.
Together with his sweet wife Joyce, Owen changed the world forever just by being a father to four children, grandfather to seventeen grandchildren, and great grandfather to sixteen great grandchildren.
His physical presence, spirit in the community and absence in our hearts will be felt forever.
I was so impressed with the gathering of family and friends at the death of our loved one. The day was a celebration of a great man and his wonderful life.
Smart looking grandsons all dressed in jackets and white shirts, Grandpa would have been especially proud seeing that each grandson wore one of his ties.
Owen was one of the finest men I have ever known. He treated me with respect and kindness from the moment I met him, and every moment following.
He had an amazing work ethic...rising early before the sun his entire life. A barber by trade, I think he must have done about a million haircuts in his lifetime.
Hair wasn't the only thing he loved to cut, we used to tease him about his love for cutting the lawn. No one...and I mean no one was allowed to cut the lawn around his house, but him.
Owen was a master garden...weeds would not dare grow in his meticulous garden. Knowing my love for cucumbers...each spring he would plant extra hills of my favorite cucumber seeds, just for me!
And when the cucumbers were big enough, he would deliver 5 gallon buckets of them to my doorstep. I ate every delicious one!
From a very early age, Dean made it his life mission to constantly harass his father...often making outrageous statements that ended in Owen delivering his famed "Shame on you Dean!"
And if it was something really ridiculous he got the double treatment "Shame on you, shame on you Dean!" Secretly I think Owen loved it as much as his son!
Grandpa Owen adored his family...every single member! He was so proud of each of their individual accomplishments.
Before it became too difficult, he would find the time and energy to come sit and watch Chet's lacrosse games.
I know he didn't understand the rules. Even though perfectly legal, he would get upset when the opponent would whack Chet with a lacrosse stick.
Owen was certainly his family's greatest fan!
I discovered early in my marriage that Dean had a sweet tooth!And it didn't take me long to learn where that sweet tooth came from. Owen loved chocolate and ice cream and root-beer floats and pie and cakes and cookies!
Dean's mom (who goes by Unni to the grandkids) has been extraordinarily strong and brave. I will always admire her grace during Owen's difficult days of illness, his death, and finally his burial. I know that grace will continue as Unni discovers how to spend the rest of her life without the love of her life.
Owen was famous for his Christmas punch...which oddly tasted different every year.
He was also infamous for sleeping with one eye open...which simultaneously freaked out and amazed the younger generation.
Because of a childhood illness, Owen was told by Doctors that he most likely wouldn't live past his 40's. He was 84 when he passed away and almost made it to 85. Never tell a member of the Garlick family what they can or can't do. I have noticed that same trait in my own children and their father.
Oh how Grandpa Owen loved the great grand babies...especially the new little ones. Thrilled for Cassandra...he clearly recalled her due date whenever he saw her. I am certain he knew he wouldn't be here when her new babe was born.
He was right...but I am also certain he got to meet the little Miss before any of us did.
As Owen struggled with his last breaths...Dean gently whispered in his father's ear...it's OK to go...go find Jocie and give her a huge love from her Daddy. And so he did...and what a glorious reunion it must have been. I'm just a little envious he got to see her before me!
As I took this last shot, I had an unmistakable feeling that we were missing someone. Someone who should be in this photo. And then it finally occurred to me that indeed we were missing someone...we were missing Grandpa Owen. Rest well Owen...you have lived a righteous and authentically beautiful life leaving behind a legacy to be proud of!
